Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran Cruise

The Cannes Royal Regatta catamaran cruise puts you on the water for the Regates Royales, the annual gathering of classic and vintage sailboats that races in the Bay of Cannes each year. From EUR 103, the cruise includes a glass of Champagne, a cold lunch buffet, and roughly three and a half hours following the fleet from the Old Port of Cannes toward the Esterel massif and back.

What Makes the Cannes Royal Regatta Cruise Special?

Every other boat tour in Cannes is built around swimming, sightseeing or transport. This one exists purely to get you close to a real sporting event: dozens of century-old wooden yachts, some dating back over a hundred years, racing under full sail in the same bay where the modern Cannes skyline sits in the background. Watching from a catamaran positioned near the course gives a vantage point that spectators on land simply cannot match, close enough to see crews trimming sails and hear the creak of old rigging as the boats round each mark.

Is the Cannes Royal Regatta Cruise Worth It?

Yes, if you are visiting Cannes during the Regates Royales and want to see classic sailing up close, this is the standout option. At EUR 103 with Champagne and a lunch buffet included, it compares well against generic sightseeing cruises while offering an experience you cannot book any other week of the year. It is not worth booking outside the regatta's dates, since the boat's route depends entirely on where the race fleet is that day, and it is a poor fit if swimming or water sports are what you are after, since neither is part of this itinerary.

What Does This Cannes Boat Tour Include?

Your ticket covers the full 11:15 to 15:00 cruise, a glass of Champagne served during navigation, and a cold lunch buffet at 13:00. The crew positions the boat to track the regatta fleet throughout, so no separate guide or commentary booking is needed. Hotel pickup is not included, and this cruise does not stop for swimming, so pack accordingly if you were expecting a beach break.

Who Should Book the Cannes Royal Regatta Cruise?

Sailing enthusiasts, classic yacht collectors and anyone visiting Cannes during regatta week who wants a genuinely local, seasonal experience will get the most out of this tour. It also suits travelers who prefer a relaxed lunch-and-Champagne format over an active swim-focused cruise. It is the wrong choice for families hoping for a swim stop, or for anyone visiting outside the regatta's late-September window, since the tour is not offered when no race is taking place.

Getting to the Cannes Old Port Meeting Point

Check-in is at the Vieux Port, close to the Palais des Festivals and most central Cannes hotels. If driving, the Palais des Festivals underground car park is the nearest option. Arrive at least 20 minutes ahead of the 11:15 boarding time, since regatta week draws larger crowds to the old port than a typical afternoon.

Insider Tips for the Regatta Cruise

Check the Regates Royales schedule before booking, since the event typically runs a single week in late September and this cruise is only available on race days. Bring a hat and sunglasses, since much of the viewing happens on an open deck under direct sun. Binoculars are worth packing if you want to pick out individual boat details from a distance, since the catamaran tracks the fleet rather than sailing directly alongside it.

How This Compares to Other Cannes Boat Tours

For a swim-focused cruise available all season, the Cannes Half-Day Catamaran Cruise runs the same Bay of Cannes waters with snorkeling instead of racing. If you want a private option that can be timed around regatta week on request, the Cannes Private Yacht Charter offers a fully flexible alternative. Travelers who want lunch and a slower pace without the seasonal restriction should compare against the Cannes Full-Day Catamaran Cruise, which is bookable year-round.